Sunday December 20, 2009… “Why did Jesus come?”
Let’s start with a little background before we get to the Shepherds…
Reading… Luke 2:1-7
Augustus Caesar… Caius Octavius, primary heir to Julius Caesar
Ascended to the throne after defeating Anthony & Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium around 31 BC
The Roman senate honored him with the title “Augustus” ( exalted one )
And declared him Rome’s first Emperor… because his rule ushered in a period of great prosperity and relative peace.
The King James Version, anyone have that one?... says they went to be taxed, later translations say it was a census
A contradiction?... Noooo
Probably it was for a counting of the people for a draft for the army at the immediate time… the Romans at this time needed a few good men
Later the census was used for the levying of a poll tax… One Denarius per person and was used to finance the occupying army ( a silver coin with Tiberious’ image on it ) the Hebrews saw it as a “graven image” an idol It was an abomination to them
If the Romans needed the money they could have just taxed them where they were and not had to wait for people to travel to their ancestral home.
Remember there were no cell phones or cars back then, it would take quite a while for a census to be completed
The census took place when Quirinius was governing Syria ( NKJV )
The King James Version says when Cyrenius was governor of Syria
Another contradiction?.... Noooo
Cyrenius is the Grecized form of Quirinus (Quirinius)
I truly believe there are no contradictions in the Bible… If you think you know of one tell me about it and I will research it and let you know my findings
Vs 4… Joseph & Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem 70 miles
Vs 7… swaddling clothes was the term for strips of cloth or bandages
The Inn mentioned here was probably the “Chimham’s Inn” mentioned in 2 Samuel 19:38 built by a loyal member of David’s inner circle.
Answers…
· Because He loves us… God looked down from Heaven and what did He see? Our sins have separated us from God It wasn’t supposed to be that way Remember Adam
· Savior…. final sacrifice for our sins Matthew 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Also in Mark 10:45… “to give his life a ransom for many”… born to die
· Our greatest need… fellowship with God
· Jesus explained his purpose for becoming man Luke 19:10: “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
· A changed life for us…
Who would like to read Luke 2: 8-15?
Shepherds… one of the oldest professions ( 6000 yrs ago )
Main duty of shepherds was to keep their flock intact and protect it from wolves and other predators. Especially at night
Sheep are kept for their milk, meat and most important their wool
So the Angel came to them at night when they were at watch for predators and these brave men were very afraid…
The Angel is not named… but I would put my money on Gabriel
When very important things were done, Gabriel always seem to be there
I am looking forward to meeting him
Today in the city of David ( Bethlehem ) a Savior is born… Christ the Lord
A savior is a person who helps people achieve salvation
Christ… means the “anointed one” khris-tos'
So Christians are people who believe Jesus was the Christ or Messiah
Most Jews today are still awaiting the Messiah… maw-shee'-akh
Why do you think the Angel came to the shepherds first?
Who said… “My sheep heard my voice, and I know them and they follow me…”?
How about… “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…”
And in 2 Samuel the church leaders are referred to as shepherds
Pastor Ed is our shepherd, just as David, Moses and Joshua shepherded Israel
Not very high on the social ladder in Israel… God seems to bless the lowly first
God also knew that they would seek out the Child, they wouldn’t have more important things to do
What are some of the more important things we have to do on a daily basis…?
Who would like to read Luke 2: 25-32
“Consolation of Israel” a common name used among the Jews in that day that meant the Messiah
Simeon, a just and devout man with whom the Holy Spirit revealed things to…
He would not die until he saw the Messiah
The Holy Spirit led him to the Temple that day and when Jesus’ parents brought Him in that day Simeon got to hold Him and blessed God
He would be the Glory of His people Israel and a revelation to the Gentiles
Who would like to read Luke 2: 33-35
Why do you think His father and mother were amazed at what people were saying about Him?
The Son of God became a real man… not someone who just appeared to be a man
But the Son of God placed His power, all-presence and all-knowingness under the direction of God ther Father
Submitting to His Father’s discretion… complete with all inherent human weaknesses
Though He was sinless, He had a real human body, mind and emotions
He went through life just as we do… except without sin
We must never forget that this is where Christianity began… with a sense of need, a sense of one’s insufficiency… Christ Himself setting the example.
What if Jesus hadn’t come?